“El Toro agachado” (the crouching bull), “El Chupaflor” (the hummingbird), “El Chomac”, “El Tamarindo”, “El Foco electrico” (the electric bulb) and “El Golpe” (the hit) are just some of the peculiar plaques that locals and visitors can see in the corners of the Historic Center of Mérida.
These plaques on the corners were installed in the 1980s to identify the streets. Today, many people continue to refer to these plates.
“It is a beautiful tradition that brings back memories for many of us. As a child I lived on the corner of ‘Tamarindo’, that’s why I have a plaque from this street decorating the living room of my house,” says Mario Quiñones Ayala, a painter, and craftsman who creates replicas of these plaques.
“The original idea of these replicas is from the artist Martín Pérez Ponce. He started this, and what I do today is continuing the legacy since he passed away a few years ago. The product was in high demand,” said Quiñones.
“For many years my daughter Dulce, who is also a painter, and I collaborated with Mr. Pérez Ponce. That is why we continue with the replicas, always highlighting the name of the late artist.”
The craftsman comments that the most complicated thing about making the replicas is respecting every detail, every line, and the style of the letters. “Even the canvas we handle gives it a stone texture, like the ones found in the corners.”
In addition to these replicas, Mario Quiñones works with recycled materials and products from the Yucatecan countryside that are in danger of disappearing.
“One of the works that people ask for the most is the “leks” and the gourds. In addition to using them to store tortillas or drink water, these pieces decorate the home,” he says. “We preserve culture with art.”
With 28 years of work in that field, Quiñones carries out everything from restoration of images of saints to murals. “The restoration of saints is something I enjoy, but I hardly do it because it takes a long time.
“It’s a nice job. In the church of my town, Sinanché, I have restored many images. I have had to work inside the church because it is complicated to move these pieces.”
Mr. Quiñones remembers that 28 years ago, he dedicated his life to painting and art full-time. This situation was not easy, but with the support of his wife, Amira, he achieved it.
“This work is noble, with the support of my wife, we have achieved a lot. We have raised our daughters, Dulce, Aracely, and Fernanda. All three have their artistic side and follow in my footsteps.”
Mario Quiñones has his “home workshop” in the municipality of Sinanché. For more about his work, people can visit the Facebook page Artesanias Yucatecas Quiñones y Artesanías “Colores Yucatecos”.
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